bx_masterdesk Pro

Plugin Manual

Developed by Brainworx Audio and distributed by Plugin Alliance

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The simple, fast, high-end mastering chain from Brainworx is now
more flexible than ever The ultimate all-in-one mastering solution,
with new features added by popular demand You asked, we listened:
The bx_masterdesk Pro expands on its predecessors by adding new
functionality and greater control to this incredibly popular and
easy-to-use mastering system.
More powerful dynamics control
In the Pro version, both the compressor and limiter are upgraded with
variable release times and linking options. The limiter also gains a new
modern/classic switch, while the compressor now features variable
ratio control, a CLIPPER option, and new “GLUE” feature for analog-
style compression that gels the mix together before it reaches the final
mastering chain.
More tonal options
The simple tone stack of the original bx_masterdesk is now
complemented by a fully featured 3-band parametric EQ in the Pro
version. Also present are high pass, low pass and dual resonance
filters, as well as an onboard De-Esser—all of which feature expanded
frequency ranges. Want even more tonal control? Take advantage of
the newly included XL section for additional saturation,
harmonics and color.
Brainworx
bx_masterdesk Pro
About
An even more impressive stereo field
In addition to the Mono-Maker, which centers low-frequency content
for focused and punchy bass, and the Stereo Width control, which can
expand the stereo spread for a more immersive feel, the Pro version of
Masterdesk adds new stereo enhancements not seen in prior plugins.
The new M/S features include the Mid Signal Panorama option and the
new Stereo Enhance knob to provide even greater control over stereo
imaging and balance.
The same high-end tone and minimal learning curve, with expanded
controls that more sophisticated users will love.
One thing hasn’t changed: The upgraded bx_masterdesk Pro is still
so easy to learn that even inexperienced producers can quickly dial
in great-sounding masters in under a minute. It’s still just a matter of
toggling through the carefully crafted presets to get you into the right
ballpark, and then sweetening things further with 3 key dials: “Volume”,
“Foundation” and “Tone”. The only difference is that you can now refine
these starting points even further with the option of greater control
over your dynamics, EQ curve, saturation and stereo field when you
want it. Try it for mastering, mix bus and even instrument subgroups.
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Version Differences

bx_masterdesk True Peak bx_masterdesk Pro

Glue
Clipper
Switchable Compressor Ratio
Switchable Compressor Release times
Tunable Compressor Link 2 fixed settings
XL Saturaion

Limiter Gain 2 fixed settings

Limiter Modes
Limiter Release times
Tunable Limiter Link

Tunable De-Esser frequencies fixed frequency

Different Stereo Enhance 1 setting 4 settings
PAN M
Stereo Width

Tunable Resonance Filters 4 fixed frequencies

3 Band EQ
HP & LP Filters
EQ Auto Solo

Gain Reduction Meter De-Esser

Gain Reduction Meter Limiter
Gain Reduction Meter Compressor
LUFS Meter
LUFS Target
Dynamic Range Meter Mono
RMS + True Peak Meter

Balance Meter
Correlation Meter

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bx_masterdesk Pro
Plugin Manual

Get started
5 Volume
Adjust how hard your music will hit the processing chain of bx_
1 Power masterdesk with the Volume control. Watch the Dynamic Range VU
Use this parameter to turn the plugin on and off. meter while you adjust your loudness and target a Dynamic Range of
between 8dB (rough target for music delivered to streaming services)
2 Preset Bank and 6dB (really loud CD master).
The bx_masterdesk Pro plugin offers four internal settings (A/B/C/D)
that will be stored with every preset. So, one preset can contain up to 4 6 Foundation
effects settings. With the Foundation control you adjust the overall tonality of your mix
(Low End vs Treble), and set a nice bass foundation which you will build
3 Solo M your master upon. Higher values give you a more bass heavy foundation
Listen to only the mono information of the processed signal. which sounds pretty BIG for most genres.

4 Solo S
Listen to only the stereo information of the processed signal.

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bx_masterdesk Pro
Plugin Manual

1 TMT Compressor Channel
The bx_masterdesk Pro offers 10 TMT Channels for the Compressor,
which shape the frequency response as well as the sound of the
compressor, with the different tolerances. Every channel gives you a
different set of stereo channels which are handpicked by the developer.
2 Comp Link
This knob controls the sidechain of the compresser so it either compresses
both channels left and right independently or the sidechain just takes the
highest peak from one of the channels, which makes the stereo image more
even.
3 Comp Mix
This knob adjusts the blend between your compressed signal and the
uncompressed mix. A mix of 100% gives you only compressed signal,
but for a vivid master that still breathes we recommend a setting
around 93%. Turning the knob all the way to the left disengages the
compressor (switches it OFF).
4 XL
The Brainworx XL feature adds warmth by the application of smooth
third and fifth order harmonics without critically increasing your
signals level.
5 XL On/Off
Activates/Deactivates the XL-Effect to your process.
6 THD
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) is a kind of distortion that is present in
all analog audio equipment (in varying degrees), and that can actually
sound pleasant to the human ear while glueing your music together in
a really desirable way.

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1 Compressor Ratio
Ratio is the relative amount of gain reduction applied to an incoming
signal. The Ratio’s range is a relative measure between in- and output
of a dynamic processing unit: a ratio of e.g. 4:1 will result in a -1dB
lower signal if it passes the set threshold by 4dB.
A low ratio has less audible characteristics than higher settings.
Suitable settings vary with the material’s density, your personal taste,
and the surrounding setup of your chain.
2 Compressor Release
The Compressor Release (-time) sets the timing in which the gain
reduction returns to its normal state after applying any gain change to
surpassing audio.
3 Glue On/Off
ON enables the GLUE-Compressor to your process.
Brainworx
bx_masterdesk Pro
Plugin Manual
4 Glue
GLUE sets the headroom of an emulated classic VCA-type
bus-compressor, found in famous analog consoles. This type of
compression is best for “gluing your mix together” in a punchy but
elegant way.
5 Clipper On/Off
Enables the CLIPPER-Function to your process.
6 Clipper
The Clipper stops signals from being louder than the set threshold of
0 dBFS. It is very effective to shave off loud transients to achieve a
much louder signal. The threshold is set to 0dBFS and engaging the
clipper will already push the signal. Turning this knob up, will push
your signal into the clipping unit, while remaining its smooth knee, to
reduce transients and win loudness.
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bx_masterdesk Pro
Plugin Manual

1 Limiter Turbo 4 Limiter Link

At the very end of the processing you can boost or cut the gain before
the signal is running into the limiter. So you have another option for
gainstaging your signal in the plug-in processing.
2 Limiter Attack Mode
Based on its technical architecture, dynamic processors react more
[Modern] or less [Classic] faster. You can decide which character suites
your mix.
3 Limiter Release
The Limiter Release(-time) sets the timing in which the gain limiting
amplifier returns to its normal state. Minimal release-times can result
in audible distortion, whereas a slow timing will create the feeling of
pumping.
This knob controls the sidechain of the limiter so it either compresses
both channels left and right independently (relocation of stereo-
sources could occur) or the sidechain just takes the highest peak from
one of the channels, which makes the stereo image more even (at
100%, relocation is prevented).
5 True Peak
Enables/Disables protection of “inter-sample peaks” which can result
in heavy clicks and distortion when converted to analog. With True Peak
enabled, following converters are protected from creating such artifacts
during loud passages of your masters.
6 Output Trim
This control is the last stage in the audio chain and can be used to
export masters that hit slightly lower than 0dB at max. It´s a common
practice to deliver masters at -0.2dB for safety reasons (no clipping
etc.).
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1 De-Esser Frequency
The De-Esser frequency adjusts the filters frequency which is
attenuated dynamically.
2 De-Esser Solo
Engaging the De-Esser Solo will enable you to listen to only the part of
the signal that bx_masterdesk Pro gets rid of in the De-Esser.
3 De-Esser
The Mastering De-Esser sits at the end of the processing chain and
is a great tool to tame sibilance and harsh cymbals in your master.
The more you turn up your master in volume, the more some artifacts
will become audible that may have been buried in the mix before. You
can dial in some beautiful Presence with bx_masterdesk, but it´s a
good idea to make sure that the master doesn´t get too harsh, and the
De-Esser is the tool to use for that application.
4 Bass
You may use the tone stack to adjust the overall sound of your recording
to your liking, and you should try to make it sound similar to reference
Brainworx
bx_masterdesk Pro
Plugin Manual
mixes of music that is similar to what you are mastering. If you master
a rock tune it is a good idea to check back with a professional CD mix of
(for example) a Foo Fighters song. If you mix a pop song you may want
to compare to a Rihanna CD, etc.
With the Bass control you can make the low end of your music softer or
tighter, by boosting or cutting certain frequencies in the bass spectrum.
The values -30 to +30 represent a dB range of -3dB to +3dB, so even at
maximum settings you are not using a crazy amount of EQ between the
two channels in AVG mode. The latter can prevent loud peaks on only
one channel to disproportionally affect the overall compression.
5 Mid
With the Mids control you can determine if your music is supposed
to sound more in-your-face (boosting the Mids) or more mellow (by
cutting) in the vocal and instrument range.
The values -30 to +30 represent a dB range of -3dB to +3dB, so even at
maximum settings you are not using a crazy amount of EQ.
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1 Treble
Adding Treble is a nice way of achieving more perceived volume for
your music, without actually turning it up. You should not make it sound
too aggressive, but a little edgy touch can really make your music jump
out of the speakers.
The values -30 to +30 represent a dB range of -3dB to +3dB, so even at
maximum settings you are not using a crazy amount of EQ.
2 Presence
Presence controls the highest frequency spectrum. You can boost
pleasant high frequencies and reduce the more nasty sounding tone
range at the same time with this control. Listen to your cymbals and
hi-hats when you adjust Presence and notice how smooth they start to
sound.
The values -30 to +30 represent a dB range of -6dB to +6dB, so even at
maximum settings you are not using a crazy amount of EQ.
Brainworx
bx_masterdesk Pro
3 Stereo Enhance Mode
You can select between four different Stereo Enhance Modes, which
changes the style of the side-signal processing.
Choose your Stereo Enhance Mode to shape your stereo-image how
you like it.
4 Stereo Enhance
Unlike in many Brainworx plugins, this is NOT a simple M/S width
control. Instead it will aim specifically at music instruments in your
stereo field and enhance them with a cleverly automated EQ system.
Using the Stereo Enhancer it´s possible to get that extra boost and
width for your synths or guitars without boosting unwanted boomy
room sounds of your drums or raise the muddy parts of your reverb
tails too much.
Stereo Enhance is a new Brainworx design and the most musical way
to increase width and depth we know of.
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bx_masterdesk Pro
Plugin Manual

1 Mono Maker 2 Stereo Width

A staple in the Brainworx line of processors, the Mono Maker will make Stereo Width enables controlling how wide the stereo image is going
your stereo recording Mono all the way from 20Hz up to the selected to be. Besides the Stereo Enhancement feature, with the Stereo Width
cut-off frequency. Which can be a great enhancement for your sound if parameter you also have the option to increase or decrease the side-
played back in clubs or via big subwoofer systems (cars, home theaters, channel level.
etc.). Using the Mono Maker at too high frequencies can result in less
stereo width for low guitars and synths, but a setting of around 100Hz
will certainly not harm your music and is recommended. Mono Maker is
a clever algorithm which will actually compensate for what it is cutting
away in the stereo information, so you are not losing anything using
Mono Maker.

In fact, your music will sound tighter and punchier in the low end once
you have engaged Mono Maker. Your bass drum and bass will thank
you.

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1 Resonance Filter LF
The “Resonance Filters” are the same notch filters as available in the
bx_digital V3, with the option of two fixed Q-Settings. Sweep through
the low range to shadow resonant, ringing or disturbing frequencies
using the LF pot.
2 Resonance Filter LF On/Off
Activates/Deactivates the low frequency resonance filter. Having no
gain-setting available for notch-filters, toggling these switches in
combination with the Auto-Solo Feature to solo your dial’s frequency
results in a vast improvements of filter setting.
3 Resonance Filter LF Q
You can select between a STEEP and a WIDE Q-Factor. Set to STEEP by
default benefits in having a more audible setting from start on. Once
the frequency is set, the wider setting will shade the filter’s existence.
Brainworx
bx_masterdesk Pro
Plugin Manual
4 Resonance Filter HF On/Off
Activates/Deactivates the low frequency resonance filter. Having no
gain-setting available for Notch filters, toggling these switches will
help a lot to find correct filter settings.
5 Resonance Filter HF
The “Resonance Filters” are the same notch filters as available in the
bx_digital V3, with the option of two fixed Q-Settings. Sweep through the
high range to shadow distorting, sizzling or disturbing high frequencies
between 1 and 20 kHz using the HF pot.
6 Resonance Filter HF Q
You can select between a STEEP and a WIDE Q-Factor. Set to STEEP by
default benefits in having a more audible setting from start on. Once
the frequency is set, the wider setting will shade the filter’s existence.
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Plugin Manual
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1 Equalizer LF Frequency 6 Equalizer HF Frequency

The LOW FREQ fully parametric band has a range from 20 to 2000 Hz. The HIGH FREQ fully parametric band has a range from 2 to 22 kHz.

2 Equalizer [LF/MF/HF] Gain 7 High Pass Filter / Low Pass Filter

Each of the three bands has a 6 dB range of gain addition or reduction.
3 Equalizer [LF/MF/HF] Q
All three bands feature a Quality range of between 0.3 and 15, additional
the LF and HF Band, which switch to a Low Shelf and respectively High
Shelf type Filter, when the Q is turned all down to zero. A small light to the
pan pot’s lower left indicates active shelving filters.
The HIGH PASS FILTER (also known as Low Cut Filter) continuous knob
sets the low range cutoff frequency. The filters slope is equal to the
bx_digital V3’s 6dB/oct setting.
The LOW PASS FILTER (also known as High Cut Filter) continuous knob
sets the high range cutoff frequency. The filters slope is equal to the
bx_digital V3’s 6dB/oct setting.

4 Equalizer MF Frequency 8 High Pass Filter On/Off

The MID FREQ fully parametric band operates at full range from 20 Hz to 22 Activates/Deactivates the high pass filter.
kHz, meaning the complete spectrum of audible audio is available for this band.
9 Low Pass Filter On/Off
5 Equalizer On/Off Activates/Deactivates the low pass filter.
Activates/Deactivates the complete 3 band parametric EQUALIZER section.
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Metering
1 True Peak L+R
Shows Peak values as True Peak measurement in dBTP according to
EBU/ITU standards. The readout will hold the maximum True Peak
value that occurred in the signal until the meter is manually reset.
Switches between input or output signal with Meter Position control.
Click anywhere on the metering area to reset the meters, including
the maximum True Peak and maximum Momentary Loudness value.
The True Peak (dBTP) measurement is a standard specified by EBU
R 128 and ITU BS.1770 resolutions. It is used to anticipate real world
Intersample Peaks (ISPs) that can occur when converting back from
the digital to analog domain. As the technical of True Peak detection is
not rigidly defined, there will be some variance between dBTP values
in meters by different manufacturers.
2 RMS L+R
Shows RMS value of the signal selected with the Meter Position Control
(input/output).
Brainworx
bx_masterdesk Pro
Plugin Manual
3 Gain Reduction L+R
Shows the amount of gain reduction in dB that the limiter is causing.
4 Dynamic Range L+R
Displays the dynamic range or crest factor of the signal at the selected
position (input or output). This is a helpful tool to determine the density
and dynamics of the material in addition to the newer standardized
loudness measurement.
5 RMS L+R
Displays the percieved loudness of the selected source signal (input/
output) in LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale) according to EBU/ITU
recommendations. The selected Loudness Target determines a white
“safe zone” and red overshoot range to monitor the real time loudness.
The time scale can also be switched between momentary with a window
of 400ms or short term, averaging over 3 seconds. With momentary
selected, the readout will hold the maximum momentary value that
occurred in the signal until the meter is manually reset.
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1 Balance
This meter shows the position of the signal in the stereo field.
2 Correlation
This meter shows the correlation of the left and right channel.
+1 means both sides are completely in phase and there is no
difference between listening in mono and stereo. The Track
has no stereo width.
0 means there is the same amount of „In-phase“ signal and
„Out-of-phase“ signal in the left and right channel. The track
fills the complete stereo field, while still being mono-compa
tible.
-1 means the left and right channel have opposite phase and
would cancel each other out when listening in mono so in other
words the track would not be mono compatible at all. The
material is positioned outside of the stereo field.
Brainworx
bx_masterdesk Pro
Plugin Manual
3 Loudness Time Scale
This menu provides the option to switch between the 2 EBU recommended
scales for real time loudness measurement.
4 Loudness Target
The Loudness Target menu offers different options to add a visual
guideline to the LUFS meter depending on the purpose and destination
of your material. The custom option lets you specify a target loudness
to aim for.
5 Meter Position
Switches the position of the metering section (naturally excluding Gain
Reduction) in the signal chain. This determines whether you are viewing
the corresponding values for the input signal before the limiter section
(In) or the output signal after the limiter section (Out).
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Plugin Manual

1 Compressor Gain Reduction

Shows the amount of “Compressor Gain Reduction” in dB.

Compressor Gain Reduction Hold

The “Compressor Gain Reduction Hold” bar shows the highest Gain
Reduction applied by the compressor of the Masterdesk Pro.

2 De-Esser Gain Reduction

Shows the amount of “De-Esser Gain Reduction” in dB.

De-Esser Gain Reduction Hold

The “De-Esser Gain Reduction Hold” bar shows the highest Gain
Reduction applied by the De-Esser at the end of the chain.

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bx_masterdesk Pro
Plugin Manual

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Bottom Toolbar Modifier Keys

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2 Key (Icon) Fine Control = Shift
Clicking on the key icon brings up the activation dialog, allowing you Jump between Default / Last Setting = Option
to manually reauthorize a device in the event of a license upgrade or Output Link = Command
addition. You can also use this feature to activate additional computers
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Clicking the ? icon opens up a context menu that links to the product Output Link = Option (Mac) / Alt (Win)
manual PDF, as well as other helpful links, e.g. to check for product
updates online. You must have a PDF reader installed on your computer AAX
to be able to read the manual. Fine Control = Command (Mac), Ctrl (Win)
Jump between Default / Last Setting = Option (Mac), Alt (Win)
Output Link = Shift
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bx_masterdesk Pro
Plugin Manual

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